Ranchi: In a significant policy decision-making session chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand Cabinet approved a total of 27 key proposals covering sectors such as healthcare, rural development, infrastructure, education, and administrative reforms. The decisions are being seen as long-term structural changes aimed at strengthening governance and development in the state.
Mega Push for Healthcare: RIMS-2 Project Approved
One of the biggest announcements from the cabinet meeting was the approval of the RIMS-2 (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences expansion project).
- Total sanctioned budget: ₹4,189.41 crore
- Objective: Transform RIMS into a world-class healthcare institution
- Project management: A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) – “Jagruti” will oversee implementation
- Institutional roles:
- IIM Ranchi will act as a Centre of Excellence
- XISS Ranchi will handle social and economic impact assessment
The government also approved stipend provisions for foreign medical graduates undergoing internship in state medical colleges and hospitals under National Medical Commission rules.
Read also: CM Hemant Soren Distributes 1,042 Teacher Appointment Letters, Launches CPD Programme in Ranchi
Strict Action in Health Sector & Administrative Accountability
The cabinet also took a strong disciplinary step by terminating a medical officer posted in Chaibasa’s Bandgaon block, who had been absent from duty without authorization since 2015.
Additionally, the government reinforced administrative discipline by making it mandatory for all newly appointed employees to take an oath of integrity and confidentiality at the time of joining.
Major Rural Reform: MNREGA Replaced with ‘G-RAM-G’ Scheme
In a controversial and major rural development reform, the cabinet approved the replacement of MNREGA with the “Viksit Bharat – G-RAM-G (G-Rural Action Model – Gram)” scheme.
- Focus on rural employment restructuring
- Special provisions for PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups)
- Aim: Strengthening rural economy through targeted job creation and development programs
Administrative Overhaul: BDO–CO System Restructured
A major governance reform was approved to streamline administration in 271 block-circle units of Jharkhand.
New structure:
- 53 blocks/circles: CEO-cum-BDO model
- 54 blocks/circles: BDO-cum-CO model
- 164 blocks: Separate BDO and CO posts retained
Applicability:
- Applied where blocks have fewer than 12 panchayats
- Aim: Faster decision-making and improved public service delivery
Security Boost for Shravan Mela 2026
For the world-famous Shravan Mela in Deoghar, the cabinet approved enhanced security arrangements.
- 28 temporary police outposts
- 19 traffic outposts
- Operational period: July 30 to August 28, 2026
- Focus: Crowd management and pilgrim safety during the annual Kanwar Yatra
Infrastructure Development: ₹500+ Crore Road Projects Approved
The cabinet cleared multiple road expansion and improvement projects worth over ₹500 crore, including:
- Dumka: Govindpur–Sahibganj road widening – ₹221.40 crore
- Pakur: Two road projects – ₹128.20 crore
- Sahibganj: Gopaladih–Bhognadih road – ₹88.84 crore
- Ranchi: Dhurwa roundabout to Police Headquarters widening – ₹36.30 crore
- Chatra: Simaria–Tandwa road improvement – ₹33.76 crore
These projects aim to strengthen connectivity across key districts.
Education Expansion: New Private University Approved
The cabinet approved the establishment of Pemiya Rishikesh University in Chandankiyari, Bokaro under the Jharkhand Private University Act, 2024.
- Formal approval: Letter of Intent granted
- Objective: Expand higher education infrastructure in the state
Tribal Welfare & Industrial Development Initiatives
- Launch of a new employment scheme for PVTG communities
- Approval for allotment of 18 acres of land on a 30-year lease to a private company in Saraiyala’s Kolabira for industrial development
Key Meetings and Policy Events
- Approval for National Stakeholder Consultation 2026
- Scheduled in New Delhi on July 8–9, 2026
- Chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren
- Focus: Investment promotion and development partnerships
Additional Cabinet Decisions
Other notable approvals include:
- Agreement on water-sharing under the Bansagar project between Bihar and Jharkhand
- Allocation of funds for pending pensions of retired employees of Hazaribagh Mining Council and Ramgarh Cantonment Board
- Permission to table CAG reports in the upcoming Assembly session
- Road infrastructure expansion and administrative restructuring across multiple departments
The Jharkhand Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect a broad governance reform agenda, combining healthcare transformation, rural employment restructuring, infrastructure expansion, and administrative modernization. The approval of the RIMS-2 project and replacement of MNREGA with a new employment scheme are expected to be among the most impactful policy changes in the coming years.
